The Family and State Policy Flashcards
Which are examples of state policies the government introduced that aim to regulate family life?
divorce reform act (1969)
child tax act (2003)
the bedroom tax (2013)
sam-sex marriage act (2014)
What are left-wing views (labour) on the family?
See nuclear family as desirable
See alternative family structures as acceptable and equally successful in raising children
Believe that state should play a role in family life
Support the idea that both parents may work
What are right-wing views (conservative/new right) on the family?
See nuclear family as the ideal family
See alternatives to the nuclear family as inadequate
See nuclear family as a decline in crisis
See breakdown of traditional family life as the cause of social problems
Argue the state should play a limited role in family life
Support idea of traditional roles in family
What did the divorce reform act (1969) make it easier to do?
Made it easier to get a divorce by widening the grounds for divorce
Couples could just say marriage had broken down and neither partner had to prove fault
How does the new right criticise the divorce reform act (1969)?
New right very critical of divorce reform act because it breaks up families
They believe families should stay together for the sake of children
What do some argue the divorce reform act (1969) undermines?
Undermines traditional nuclear families resulting in a breakdown of family values
How do feminist sociologists criticise divorce reform act?
Feminist sociologists in favour of the divorce reform act as it allows women to escape patriarchal relationships freeing them from oppression and potentially abusive relationships
Who and why was child tax credit (2003) introduced?
Introduced by labour government to support working families
Families in paid employment are given tax relief saving them money which can be spent on things for the children
Who is the child tax credit paid to?
The main carer of the child
Usually the mum
How does the new right criticise child tax credit (2003)?
New right in favour of the money being paid to mothers because this reinforces the view that women should be the primary carer of the children
How do feminist sociologists criticise child tax credit (2003)?
Some feminist sociologists are critical of the money being paid to mothers because this reinforces gender stereotypes
Restricts women to the mother-housewife role
Who and why was marriage tax credit (2015) introduced?
Introduced by conservative government with the aim of encouraging couples to marry
What does the marriage tax credit (2015) involve?
Couples who are married or in civil partnerships pay less tax
Partner with lowest income (£11,000 or less) can transfer £1,100 of their personal tax allowance to their partner, so their partner pays less tax
How do the new right criticise marriage tax credit (2015)?
New right in favour of this policy as it encourages couples to marry which bring stability for the children because married couples are less likely to break up
How do radical feminists criticise marriage tax credit (2015)?
Radical feminists, like Greer, are critical of marriage tax credit because they see marriage as an oppressive, patriarchal institution
